In the early hours of Monday, 21 October, Nasarawa State’s anti-kidnapping squad were successful in quelling the attempt to abduct Dr Leon Usigbe, Abuja bureau chief of the Nigerian Tribune and his family from their home.
The incident occurred at about 12:50 am at Dr. Usigbe’s residence on Kurape Road in Karshi, near the Federal Capital Territory. During the attack, the assailants shot and injured a neighborhood vigilante on guard.
According to local sources, one of the attackers managed to scale the perimeter fence and unlocked the gate, granting the others access to the compound. Once inside, the assailants vandalized windows with stones and attempted to break down both the front and back doors but failed to gain entry.
The anti-kidnapping squad, which had been deployed recently due to a surge in abductions in the area, was alerted and arrived promptly. The assailants opened fire upon their arrival, injuring three soldiers. The squad returned fire, forcing the kidnappers to flee before they could enter the building.
Dr. Usigbe was not at home during the attack, but his wife and children, who were present, were left traumatized. This marks the third kidnapping attempt in the area in three months, with two other families having paid ransoms for the release of abducted loved ones.
